Representation matters. When my son saw Star Wars: Episode VII at 5 years old, his reaction wasn't "light sabers are so cool!" or "I love robots!" - it was "Mommy, Finn has hair like ME" (Finn - John Boyega - is the first major Black lead in the Star Wars universe).

Black Panther has been out for two weeks and at $748 million box office has broken every record for a movie directed by a Black director and featuring an almost all-Black cast. In fact, at the time I'm writing this on March 1st 2018, it's already into the top 20 movies of ALL time. These numbers aren't just because it's a Black movie. But it's actually an AMAZING Black movie, starring an African superhero, taking place mainly in Africa and with Black culture and Africa positively represented at every turn.

All children deserve to dream and believe they can become anything, change the world and accomplish the impossible. That's why I'm raising $2,000 to send 200 students from Hallett Academy in Denver to see Black Panter for free on March 23rd at the Alamo Drafthouse Theatres . That covers each of them also receiving a sack lunch and a drink. All donations past the $2,000 goal will be donated to Hallett's Arts and Sciences program. Here are the Hallett kids:

Star Wars has shaped the mind of many of today's Technology titans. I have no doubt Black Panther is the spark that lights the imagination and fire of thousands of black girls and boys to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Any donation for even the slightest possibility that one child gets that spark after seeing themselves reflected on the big screen could change their lives. I hope you agree and will support this, with any amount. Share it with your friends and family and help spread the word!

CBS Coverage of Black Panther Denver Premiere:

Christopher Priest, the original Black Panther writer whose story the movie is actually based on, will autograph two original copies of "Black Panther Volume 1" for the two top donations

Hallett Academy is a Denver Public School located in North Park Hill serving students from ECE-3 through fifth-grade. It's a community school committed to providing a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment, and a place where students learn academic and socio-emotional competencies, in support of their success.